DESCRIPTION:

This course invites students to explore the life situations faced by early Christians in Asia Minor and the pastoral response and strategies addressed to those situations in 1 Peter. Students will not only grow in their mastery of content vis-a-vis an important witness to the apostolic message, but also in their mastery of a broad array of exegetical skills as they apply the elements of socio-rhetorical interpretation to the Greek text of 1 Peter. The fruits of these investigations, moreover, will be brought to bear on the challenges facing disciples and communities of faith in the global church.

First Peter addresses core issues of Christian identity, God's vision for a renewed community, living with a view to the Christian hope, witness, and perseverance in the face of resistance and hostility. The message and resources of 1 Peter can energize ministries of pastoral counseling, strengthen Christian community, and equip disciples to face opposition for their confession and to strengthen other disciples who experience the same. The letters also presents practical advice for developing a distinctive Christian ethos, bearing witness, exercising leadership in the church, developing a supportive and generous Christian community, and identifying and overcoming various trials.

The class will be conducted in a seminar format, with time divided between lecture and presentation of exegetical methods; discussion of student translations of the Greek text; small group work in exegetical method; and conversation about the meaning and application of God's word to us in 1 Peter. The class will meet daily for two weeks for four-hour sessions.

Elliott, J. H. 1 Peter. Anchor Bible 37B. New York: Doubleday, 2000.

deSilva, D. A. Honor, Patronage, Kinship, and Purity: Unlocking New Testament Culture. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000.

Robbins, V. K. Exploring the Texture of Texts: A Guide to Socio-Rhetorical Interpretation. Valley Forge, PA: Trinity Press International, 1996.

See the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Program" available in the SOT Academic Advising office.

Davids, P. H. The First Epistle of Peter. NICNT. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1990.

Marshall, I. H. 1 Peter. IVPNTC. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1991.

Michaels, J. R. 1 Peter. WBC. Waco, TX: Word, 1988.

(1) A 12- to 15-page exegetical paper on an approved passage from 1 Peter; (2) daily translation of sections from the Greek text of 1 Peter; (3) timely completion of reading assignments; (4) committed participation in exegetical exercises in class and at home. The paper (due September 1st) and Greek translations (due daily in class after the first session) will each be weighted as a third of the student's final grade. Quality and consistency of class participation (with advance preparation assumed) will supply the last third. It is highly recommended that students complete as much of the course readings as possible prior to the first class session.